What is the significance of eye contact in public speaking?

The significance of eye contact in public speaking primarily lies in its ability to establish a connection with the audience. When a speaker maintains eye contact, it engages listeners, making them feel included and valued. This connection fosters a sense of trust and credibility, encouraging the audience to be more receptive to the message being delivered. Eye contact can also help the speaker gauge the audience's reactions and adjust the delivery accordingly, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the presentation. In essence, effective eye contact is a powerful tool for creating rapport and enhancing communication between the speaker and the audience, which is critical in any public speaking scenario.